Nanaimo has a population of about 87,000 residents and has been dubbed the "Bathtub Racing Capital of the World" and the "Harbour City". Nanaimo is also sometimes referred to as the Hub City because of its central location on Vancouver Island. The layout of the downtown streets form a "hub" pattern. It serves as as the headquarters for the Regional District of Nanaimo, which encompasses a surrounding area population of about 138,000 residents.

Nanaimo began as a trading post in the early 19th century. In 1849 Dunsmuir and First Nations discovered economic coal reserves. Dunsmuir managed the coal business initially on behalf of his employer Hudson Bay Company which built a fort  in 1853 on the waterfront known as the Nanaimo Bastion. The Bastion structure still stands as a famous landmark of the City.

Located on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is about 70 miles northwest of Victoria and 30 miles west of Vancouver separated by the Strait of Georgia and linked to Vancouver by BC Ferries.

Nanaimo is served by three airports and three ferry terminals. There is regular passenger train service south to Victoria and north to Courtenay along the E and N Railway. Highways 1, 19 and 19A traverse the city. Bus service in the city is provided by Nanaimo Regional Transit.

The largest employer is the provincial government. The service, retail, tourism, fishing, pulp and paper, speciality  lumber mills and construction industries also contribute to the local economy.

In recent years there has been an increase in higher-density real estate development on the waterfront along Newcastle Channel and in the Old City/Downtown area. Recently the City developed a Conference Centre and plans continue for a new new downtown hotel on a site adjoining the new Conference Center. Nanaimo has been experiencing job growth in the technology, service and retail sectors.

Nanaimo is becoming a favourite retirement destination due to the favourable real estate values, surrounding natural amenities, convenience ande close proximity to Vancouver and Victoria, the temperate climate and the beautiful geography.